In this review, I’ll dive into all the important details of the MidWest iCrate 36″ Folding Dog Kennel. I’ll discuss its key features, its benefits, and whether it’s the right choice for your dog. By the end of this review, you’ll know if this kennel is the perfect fit for your pup’s needs.
Overview
Product Overview
The MidWest iCrate 36″ Folding Dog Kennel with Tray is a sturdy, reliable, and user-friendly crate designed for medium to large-sized dogs. With dimensions of 36 inches, it provides plenty of room for your dog to move around comfortably while keeping them safe and secure. Whether you’re using it at home or on the go, the kennel is designed to fold up easily for convenient storage and transport.
This dog crate is ideal for dog owners who want a well-built, easy-to-use solution for their pets. It’s perfect for indoor use, but you can also take it outside with you if needed. Plus, the included tray is leak-proof, making it easy to clean after your dog has been inside.
Now, let’s explore why this dog crate stands out from the rest.
Key Features & Benefits
1. Durable Construction
The MidWest iCrate 36″ is made with high-quality steel, making it incredibly strong and durable. This means your dog will have a safe and secure space, whether they’re resting or being trained. The steel construction prevents the kennel from bending or breaking, even if your dog is particularly active or has a habit of chewing on things. You’ll also appreciate that it won’t rust or lose its shine after daily use, giving you long-lasting value for your investment.
Real-life benefit: If you’re tired of replacing flimsy crates every few months, this one’s built to last. It’s the type of kennel that grows with your dog, no matter how big or playful they become.
2. Folding Design for Easy Storage
This kennel folds down flat when not in use. The easy folding feature makes it simple to store away, saving you space when you don’t need it. If you live in a smaller home or apartment, this is a huge plus. You can easily tuck it away in a closet, under a bed, or in a corner of the room.
Real-life benefit: After a few weeks of using this crate in my living room, I realized just how much space it saved me when not in use. It’s so easy to fold and store that I never feel like it’s in the way, even on busy days.
3. Leak-Proof Tray
The kennel comes with a removable leak-proof plastic tray that makes cleaning up after your dog a breeze. It’s especially helpful during potty training or if your dog is unwell. You can simply slide the tray out, wipe it clean, and slide it back in with no fuss.
Real-life benefit: This feature came in handy during our potty training phase. I didn’t have to worry about any messes staining the crate. The tray’s leak-proof design kept everything contained, so I never had to stress about clean-up.
4. Double-Door Access
The crate includes two doors for easy access to your dog. One is on the front, and the other is on the side, giving you flexible options for placement and entry. The side door can be especially helpful in smaller spaces where you may not have room for a full front opening.
Real-life benefit: I found that the double-door feature made it easy to adjust the crate’s placement in the room. Depending on where I wanted it, I could open either door to let my dog in or out, without having to rearrange the whole setup.
5. Secure Latch Mechanism
The crate features a secure latch system that keeps the door safely closed. It’s designed to prevent your dog from opening it, which is a concern with some other crates. The latch is easy for you to operate but secure enough to keep your dog safe inside.
Real-life benefit: My dog is a bit of an escape artist, so I appreciated how well the latch worked. I never had to worry about him figuring out how to get out, and it gave me peace of mind when I wasn’t around.
6. Perfect Size for Medium to Large Dogs
The 36-inch size is ideal for medium to large dogs, offering enough space for them to move around comfortably. Dogs like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, or Border Collies will fit perfectly. If you have a smaller dog, this crate might feel a bit too roomy, but it still works just as well for them.
Real-life benefit: My medium-sized dog fit perfectly in this crate. It wasn’t too cramped, and he had plenty of space to stretch out, making it his go-to resting spot when he wasn’t lounging on the couch.
Pros and Cons
- Sturdy and durable: Made from high-quality steel, this kennel is built to last.
- Easy to fold: The folding design makes it convenient for storage when not in use.
- Leak-proof tray: Easy to clean, especially when potty training or if your dog makes a mess.
- Double-door access: Flexible entry options for different spaces.
- Secure latch system: Keeps your dog safe and secure inside the crate.
- Heavier than some other crates: While the sturdiness is a benefit, it can be a bit heavy to carry if you need to transport it often.
- May be too large for small dogs: If you have a small dog, this crate might be more space than they need.
Real-Life Usage Insights
After a few weeks of using the MidWest iCrate 36″ Folding Dog Kennel, I can confidently say that it’s a fantastic investment. My dog loves it, and I’ve found it to be incredibly easy to set up and clean. I particularly love how simple it is to fold down and store when not in use. I didn’t realize how much space I was saving until I had the option to tuck it away during the day.
Cleaning the tray has also been hassle-free. I’ve never had to deal with any leaks or odors, and the plastic is easy to wipe down. The double-door system is another big plus — it gives me the flexibility to place the crate wherever I need it, without worrying about how I’ll get my dog in and out.
Comparison with Similar Products
When comparing the MidWest iCrate 36″ to other dog kennels, such as the AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate or the Petmate Vari Kennel, it stands out for its combination of sturdiness and easy storage. The AmazonBasics crate is lighter, but it doesn’t offer the same level of durability or leak-proof tray. The Petmate Vari Kennel is a good option for travel but is less versatile for home use.
If you’re looking for something with a little more space, the MidWest iCrate is also one of the largest dog crates in this price range. It offers plenty of room for medium and large dogs to stretch out comfortably, unlike some smaller options on the market.
Who Should Buy It
This kennel is perfect for medium to large dog owners who want a durable, easy-to-store crate. It’s ideal for people who need a reliable indoor space for their dog, whether for training, sleeping, or as a safe spot when they’re away. If you have a smaller dog, you might want to look at a smaller crate size, but for larger breeds, this is a great choice.
FAQs
Q: Is the MidWest iCrate 36″ folding dog kennel suitable for outdoor use?
A: While the crate is sturdy, it’s designed for indoor use. If you plan to use it outdoors, make sure to place it in a sheltered area to protect it from the elements.
Q: Can I use this crate for potty training?
A: Yes, the leak-proof tray makes it an excellent option for potty training. It’s easy to clean up messes, and the design keeps your dog safe while they learn.
Q: Will this crate be big enough for my large dog?
A: The 36″ crate is ideal for medium to large dogs. If your dog is on the larger side (e.g., a Great Dane), you may want to look for an even larger crate, but for most dogs, this size will work perfectly.
Conclusion
The MidWest iCrate 36″ Folding Dog Kennel with Tray is a solid, durable, and versatile option for dog owners. It’s perfect for medium and large-sized dogs, offering plenty of space, a leak-proof tray for easy cleaning, and a folding design for storage. Whether you need a place for training, sleeping, or safe transportation, this kennel has you covered.
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